CATHERINE BETTY TELGEN

MIDDLEBURY — Catherine Betty Telgen, 92, was surrounded by family as she passed tenderly in to the arms of her Savior on Sept. 5, 2024. Catherine was born on Sept. 17, 1931, to John and Sue Siegers in Midland Park, N.J., where she grew up with her dear siblings, Ralph, Joan, and Bill. She married her high school sweetheart, Bill Telgen, on May 29, 1952. They enjoyed 65 precious years together as they raised seven children, established a successful dairy farm, and watched the Lord bless their family in numbers. Catherine was affectionately known as “Gram” to 22 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

Bill and Catherine started their own dairy farm in Rock Tavern, N.Y., after getting married. They moved their family and the cows to Shoreham, Vt., in 1968, where they established Wil-Tel Holsteins and spent many years working side by side with sons, Bill Jr. and Ron. Catherine was a farm wife in every sense of the term. She spent many hours in the field mowing, raking, and baling hay or chopping and unloaded corn silage while simultaneously raising seven children.

Other than her faith in Christ, there was nothing more important to Catherine than her family. Her beautiful blue eyes sparkled with joy each time a grandchild or great-grandchild was placed in her arms, and she loved to tell anyone who would listen how many she had. Gram could always be found in the bleachers and on the sidelines of their sporting events, attending school functions or watching them show cows at Addison County Field Days. No grandchild ever had to wonder how much she loved them.

Catherine was a hard worker and loved being active in her local community. As a member of the Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church, she taught Sunday School and served on the Fellowship, Library, and Cheer committees. While living in Shoreham, she worked as the Town Treasurer between 1994 and 2000, delivered Meals on Wheels and was a leader of the Christian Women’s Club. She spent 33 years volunteering at Your Turn Resale Shoppe and served pizza with Bill to the children of Champlain Valley Christian School every month. When she moved into the Residence at Otter Creek in her later years, she served on the Library Committee and kept busy going to Arts & Crafts, Bone Builders, Tai Chi, and swimming.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Residence at Otter Creek. You made Mom’s golden years absolutely wonderful with your amazing care and devotion. We knew she was well loved and cared for.

Catherine was predeceased by her parents, brothers, and the love of her life, Bill. She will be dearly missed by her sister, Joan Besemer, and her children, Sue (Elwyn) Flynn, Sandy Brisson, William (Carleen) Telgen, Laura (Gerry) Koning, Ron (Tina) Telgen, Karen (Roger) Desabrais, Linda (Andre) Larocque, 22 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Champlain Valley Christian School, 2 Church Street, Vergennes, VT 05491, or to Olivia’s Gift at www.oliviasgift.org. ◊